AFLW trade period means uncertain futures as players learn ruthless reality of semi-professional footy
THE first AFLW sign and trade period is a strange time for players — futures are uncertain until a signature is on the dotted line as rumours swirl, writes Melbourne star Melissa Hickey.
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TAYLA Harris told Brisbane she wanted to come to football’s heartland — Victoria — and the rumour mill hit overdrive about a potential new home for the high-leaping forward.
The Lions marquee is a distinct talent but she’s not unique in her status — many others will seek and find new homes over the next week as the first AFLW sign and trade period roars to a close.
It’s a time of tremendous upheaval and change in a year already long on those qualities.
From the first trade — one of the best defenders in the competition Nicola Stevens moving from Collingwood to Carlton — it was clear this was about more than a bit of housekeeping.
It’s a strange time for players. Most of the 200-plus AFLW pioneers are back playing at our state league clubs as the games that will influence our future at the very top level are played out in boardrooms and down telephone lines.
Some players were told in their AFLW01 exit interview that their club wanted them to remain and it will just be a matter of signing papers.
Others have been told to expect to be delisted. It’s a ruthless reality in this new world of being a semi-professional athlete.
The recent decision to delay expansion beyond eight teams also changes the landscape as there are girls that played in the first AFLW season that are likely to not be picked up for the second one.
FIRST TRADE: PIES BEST AND FAIREST BECOMES A BLUE
PREMIERS: TWO CROWS RE-SIGN
TRADING PLACES: ANOTHER MAGPIE COULD BE ON HER WAY OUT
TRADE REQUEST: LIONS NOT SURPRISED BY HARRIS REQUEST
MAGPIE: MO HOPE FACES PAY CUT AFTER FIRST SEASON STRUGGLES
With a strong crop of 18-year-olds coming through talent pathways and the likelihood of more athletes being attracted to our game after the success this season, there will be a number of players squeezed out, probably never to return.
I like the idea of keeping eight teams for next season; it will allow the competition and players to consolidate.
Another serious pre-season and fresh talent from the October draft is going to make teams fitter, stronger and more jelled — and the type of footy we can play even more entertaining.
The expectation is that we will be allowed to train for longer periods in the pre-season, the initial nine hours agreed for season 2017 was rarely adhered to across the AFLW with players and coaches both wanting more access to each other and the facilities.
In coming weeks we are being asked to sign new contracts with our clubs, the new structure having three payment tiers with an additional pool of money for ambassador roles.
At Melbourne we are faced with a situation that not all clubs have, given we had four All-Australians — Daisy Pearce, Elise O’Dea, Karen Paxman and myself.
With only two players able to be paid in the top tier, four into two doesn’t work.
“Paxy” had a fantastic season, finishing runner-up in the league best and fairest, dominated our possessions every week and has put herself in the top five stars of the league.
“Junior” O’Dea was much the same, she dominated from the middle with her workhorse approach, reliable and a driving force out of stoppages, baulking her way to be one of our best offensive players.
And then there’s Daisy being Daisy, leading our team each week as captain, doing what she does, making the damned difficult seem effortless.
As a marquee player in the inaugural season I am not confident nor assured that I will remain at that top payment tier for next season, even after performing solidly and earning All-Australian honours.
It feels awkward to be thinking about some of your best mates and teammates and how you are valued to your club and your team in monetary terms.
It’s never been about money so it does feel strange now to make it such a focus. Maybe it is more about ego? Or is it about receiving reward for effort, or a bit of both.
The value of the experience, playing in a premiership and culture is something that holds a lot of weight for me and I know that Melbourne is so strong. It’s a big part of the equation.
It also feels hard to promote your worth and your value; as a female I know this is something that has consistently held me and others back from being paid as much as our male colleagues performing the same job.
It has restricted the amount we earn at our workplaces as we hesitate to promote ourselves and demand an amount we feel is equal or fair.
This is where another new player in the female football world comes in handy. The player agent, those hard-working, smooth-talking types who have awkward conversations about worth and value for, and at, breakfast.
But as with everything in this inaugural year of AFLW, I can’t help but think of every new experience and challenge as a good problem to have.
So good luck to all the girls who will find new homes — Tayla, there are some great cafes around AAMI we could quickly acquaint you with! And to those players who will be forced into limbo before taking their chance in the draft, even better luck.
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